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Letter of 1838 September 10

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Page 1
Utrecht, Monday morning. Septr 10th 1838./
My dear Caroline,/
As the distance from home increases my thoughts and my heart/ yearn more towards the dear objects of my love that are left behind, and the happiest/ part of my journey to which I now look forward is the end, when I shall again/ clasp to my breast my wife and my child and my sister. Yet we have seen and mingled/ with new and interesting scenes and this morning we bid adieu to Holland and/ the kind friends who have contended to make our visit delightful, and commence/ our journey to the banks of the Rhine. Yesterday we spent at Amsterdam, we/ did not see the skeletons of the criminals with their clothes on, they are said to be sadly/ out at elbows, and should be provided with new suits at the cost of the Stadt; but by/ virtue of a letter from Prof. van der Holk of Utrecht to his father-in-law who is director of/ the Public Collection of Painting, we were admitted to a private view, and had the/ attendant to move the pictures in the proper lights, for many of them are hung/ upon moveable pannels[sic]. Here are several of the Dutch painters' chef-d'ouvres/ Dow, Wouvermann, Rembrandt, &c &. but I have a catalogue with notes & marks/ to comment & descant on some fire-side evenings at home. We entered the great/ church at the close of afternoon service & heard a magnificent voluntary from the great/ organ. The proscenium of the organ is supported by a wonderfully sculptured group/ of cherubs & wreaths; and by two flat {caf [crossed out]} columns with a charming arabesque in high relief/ of musical instruments, fruits & flowers. The organ pipes are protected by folding doors,/ painted with beautiful figures on the inside. The pulpit surmounted with an extraordinary/ structure of carved wood. The church itself is built cathedral-wise, the old altar end/ separated by a magnificent brazen screen. The gothic arches supported by beautiful/ white columns having rich cauliflower capitals, some beautiful painted glass. Size/ of whole coming near to the Abbey. A few fine monuments to the Dutch Admirals./ It was fair time at Amsterdam, and we had the opportunity of witnessing some/
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canny Dutch Servt in manners & person like old Mary, put into the cupboard./ After tea the Professors of the university arrived to pipes, coffee & Hoek and a/ long night was made of it in which my wits were kept at full stretch./ Made my first essay in conversing in german[sic], not so difficult after a while./ Time calls, & Dr. Luermann to take leave. We are off in half/ an our[sic] to Cologne. God bless you all. Many kisses for my/ dear Willie. Ever your affectionate Richard./
Mrs Owen/
Rl College of Surgeons/
Portugal St. L. I. Fields,/
London/
England./
Best love to papa & Mamma. Kind remembrances & thanks/ for his experienced hints to Mr Hills, he beats many of the Dutch/ still at the beasts./

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Page 1
Utrecht, Monday morning. Septr 10th 1838./
My dear Caroline,/
As the distance from home increases my thoughts and my heart/ yearn more towards the dear objects of my love that are left behind, and the happiest/ part of my journey to which I now look forward is the end, when I shall again/ clasp to my breast my wife and my child and my sister. Yet we have seen and mingled/ with new and interesting scenes and this morning we bid adieu to Holland and/ the kind friends who have contended to make our visit delightful, and commence/ our journey to the banks of the Rhine. Yesterday we spent at Amsterdam, we/ did not see the skeletons of the criminals with their clothes on, they are said to be sadly/ out at elbows, and should be provided with new suits at the cost of the Stadt; but by/ virtue of a letter from Prof. van der Holk of Utrecht to his father-in-law who is director of/ the Public Collection of Painting, we were admitted to a private view, and had the/ attendant to move the pictures in the proper lights, for many of them are hung/ upon moveable pannels[sic]. Here are several of the Dutch painters' chef-d'ouvres/ Dow, Wouvermann, Rembrandt, &c &. but I have a catalogue with notes & marks/ to comment & descant on some fire-side evenings at home. We entered the great/ church at the close of afternoon service & heard a magnificent voluntary from the great/ organ. The proscenium of the organ is supported by a wonderfully sculptured group/ of cherubs & wreaths; and by two flat {caf [crossed out]} columns with a charming arabesque in high relief/ of musical instruments, fruits & flowers. The organ pipes are protected by folding doors,/ painted with beautiful figures on the inside. The pulpit surmounted with an extraordinary/ structure of carved wood. The church itself is built cathedral-wise, the old altar end/ separated by a magnificent brazen screen. The gothic arches supported by beautiful/ white columns having rich cauliflower capitals, some beautiful painted glass. Size/ of whole coming near to the Abbey. A few fine monuments to the Dutch Admirals./ It was fair time at Amsterdam, and we had the opportunity of witnessing some/
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canny Dutch Servt in manners & person like old Mary, put into the cupboard./ After tea the Professors of the university arrived to pipes, coffee & Hoek and a/ long night was made of it in which my wits were kept at full stretch./ Made my first essay in conversing in german[sic], not so difficult after a while./ Time calls, & Dr. Luermann to take leave. We are off in half/ an our[sic] to Cologne. God bless you all. Many kisses for my/ dear Willie. Ever your affectionate Richard./
Mrs Owen/
Rl College of Surgeons/
Portugal St. L. I. Fields,/
London/
England./
Best love to papa & Mamma. Kind remembrances & thanks/ for his experienced hints to Mr Hills, he beats many of the Dutch/ still at the beasts./